Baked beans fly off store shelves rapidly these days! They seem to be everywhere, stacked high in almost every aisle.
But, did you know that they don’t always make it to your pantry in the same condition as when they were purchased?
In fact, some canned baked beans can be pretty gross—and not just because they might smell up your house.
Some people even say that they are “baked” and others say they’re “cooked.”
So, which is right?
And what about those that say they are “refrigerated?”
How long do baked beans last?
To answer this question, we need to start by understanding how a product is manufactured.
When you buy a can of baked beans, it’s likely going to be processed in a factory, where it undergoes several processes before being packaged.
During these processing steps, the baked beans will go through a number of changes.
For example, after the beans are peeled and cleaned, they will either be put through an extruder or blancher to remove excess water.
Then, the beans will be washed again, along with all other ingredients in the mix, to get rid of any dirt or sediment on the surface.
Once everything has been mixed together, the cans are filled with liquid (usually water), sealed, and then ready to be shipped off to stores.
This is where things can start to break down.
During storage, the beans will continue to absorb moisture from the air.
This can cause the beans to spoil.
The longer beans are stored, the more likely this process will occur.
If the beans aren’t kept properly during shipping, they may also develop mold, which is why it’s important to only purchase the freshest beans possible.
Can you freeze baked beans?
Yes, as long as they are in the original packaging.
You can pop them straight from the freezer into your fridge and use them within 6 months to a year, depending on the variety.
What is the best way to store baked beans?
If you want to keep your baked beans fresh, they must be stored in the refrigerator.
However, since they contain sugar, they won’t last very long at room temperature.
It’s best to take them out and use them right away once you open the package, unless you plan to freeze them first.
What do baked beans taste like?
Depending on the bean variety, the flavor of baked beans can vary wildly.
There are different types of beans that are used, including pinto, navy, black, kidney, lima, and great northern.
Some kinds of beans, such as black beans, are known for having a strong flavor, while others, such as pinto beans, tend to be milder.
The color of the beans makes a big difference, too.
Red beans, for instance, are typically darker than green beans.
There are also different types of salt used in baking beans.
Sea salt, smoked salt, and kosher salt are common choices.
All of these will affect the overall flavor of the beans, so experiment with the various types until you find the perfect combination for you.
What is the nutritional value of baked beans?
The main ingredient in a can of baked beans is usually a type of dried legume called a “bean.”
These beans include soybeans, chickpeas, and white beans.
While these beans are nutritious, they don’t pack much of a punch nutritionally, so most people who consume baked beans do so as a side dish.
Are baked beans good for you?
Most experts advise against consuming large amounts of baked beans every day.
Instead, they recommend adding them to your diet on occasion, especially during lean times.
As long as you consume them in moderation, they shouldn’t pose any health issues.
What are the benefits of eating baked beans?
For starters, they provide fiber, which is essential to a well-balanced meal.
They also offer protein, potassium, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamins A and C, all of which help maintain healthy blood pressure levels, bones, muscles, and skin.
Eating baked beans can also help lower cholesterol and control diabetes.
Are there any risks associated with eating baked beans?
Because baked beans contain sugar, they can contribute to tooth decay.
Also, if you don’t wash the beans thoroughly enough, they can become contaminated with bacteria, which could lead to a urinary tract infection.
If you notice your baked beans seem to be getting soft, you might want to throw them out.
If you think they smell bad, consider putting them in the fridge.
If you still don’t feel comfortable using them, toss them in the trash.
It’s also worth noting that the longer your beans are stored, the less appealing they are to eat.
They will lose their crispness and texture over time.
Once they reach this point, you should probably throw them out and try something new.
How can you tell if baked beans have gone bad?
One easy way to check whether you have any spoiled baked beans is to look at the bottom of the can.
If the top of the can bulges out at all, you’ll know that there’s something wrong inside.
If it looks flat, however, then the beans are probably okay.
Another test you can perform is to give your beans a smell test.
If they smell foul, it’s time to chuck the whole batch.
If they smell fine, however, you can give them another chance.
If they’re still bad after a few days, though, you should discard them completely.
What should you do if you eat bad baked beans?
First, wash the beans thoroughly to ensure that no harmful bacteria is lurking on their surface.
Next, drain them and rinse them under cold running water.
Finally, add them to a pot of simmering water for 10 minutes.
Afterward, drain the beans and serve them.
You can also cook them in the microwave.
Just place them in a bowl, add 1/4 cup of water, cover with plastic
wrap, and heat on high power for 3 minutes.
Remove the plastic wrap and stir the contents.
Repeat this step twice more.
When you’ve prepared your beans, drain the liquid that remains in
the bowl.
Add 2 tablespoons of butter per serving.
Stir the mixture thoroughly, and then pour the beans onto a plate.
Top them with chopped onion and a sprinkling of brown sugar,
stirring as you go.
You can also add ketchup, mustard, hot pepper sauce, or molasses.
If your beans are particularly bland, you might want to season them
with paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.
Then, you can either serve them as is or reheat them in the oven to
warm them back up.
Slow Cooker Baked Beans
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 8 ounces. bacon
- 1 onion
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 can pinto beans
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can white beans
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup molasses
- 16 ounces bbq sauce your favorite bbq sauce, including a sweet one if you like
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tablespoon yellow mustard
Instructions
- Fry your bacon: In a large skillet or pan, cook diced bacon until crispy and golden brown over medium heat. Simply; reduce the heat if the pan begins to smoke at any time. Bacon is cooked- on a low heat setting at all times. After the bacon has finished cooking, wipe the excess grease using a paper towel. Allow for cooling of the bacon.
- Strain the bacon grease, leaving a small amount on the bottom of the pan, and add the diced onion, frying for 5-8 minutes or until golden. Add your garlic and sauté for 1 minute during the last minute of cooking. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
- Put the drained, rinsed, and washed beans and kidney beans in the slow cooker with the bacon, onions, and garlic. Next, whisk together- the ketchup, molasses, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and yellow mustard. Stir everything together with a wooden- spoon until it’s- completely- combined. Set the timing for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low.
Video
Nutrition
I have a true passion for cooking and experimenting with new ingredients, and I have been creating and perfecting recipes for friends and family for years.
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